Oi! Talking CCTV cameras will shame offenders

A system of talking CCTV cameras that allows operators to publicly shame offenders is to be extended across the country.

The scheme was pioneered in Middlesbrough where loudspeakers are fitted to 12 of its 158 town centre cameras. Now another 20 councils are to follow suit, using £500,000 from the Government's ''Respect'' budget.

John Reid, the Home Secretary, denied the plans were overly intrusive or marked the arrival of a ''police state''.

"They are the sorts of things that make people's lives a misery. Anything that tackles that is better.''

Mr Reid added: ''There are always people who will claim when we do that it's a 'police society'.

"It isn't. It's a society where the vast majority of law-abiding citizens are doing their utmost to respect each other.''

And whereas in the past adults used to tell youngsters how to behave, the roles are to be reversed for a day. In a bid to shame offenders into acting properly, the Government is drafting in children to provide the admonition.

Competitions are being held at schools in the areas participating and winners will sit in a CCTV control room on the day the loudspeakers are activated.

The Home Office said: ''Activities, such as designing posters that challenge bad behaviour and taking part in neighbourhood litter picks, help educate children about acceptable behaviour while at the same time they are encouraged to use their 'pester power' in a positive way - reminding grown-ups how to behave.

''The winning schoolchildren will be invited to become the 'voice' of the Talking CCTV in their town or city's CCTV control room for one day - the day of the switch-on - later this year.''

Graeme Gerrard, the CCTV spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), said: "Talking CCTV increases the effectiveness of town centre cameras because it allows the camera operators to intervene and let the offender know their anti-social behaviour has been spotted and is being recorded.''

Jack Bonnar, who runs the system in Middlesbrough, said the town's litter had reduced dramatically since the speakers were installed and they also had a significant influence on public order offences.

"The vast majority of people are pretty decent. But if people persistently refuse to do this we have got pictures, which provide evidence and the police can be called,'' he added.

David Davis, the shadow home secretary, said: "This could be a useful tool against anti-social behaviour but it is no substitute for having a real police presence on our streets and communities, detecting and deterring crime.